JTEKT North America, a leader in automotive and industrial product solutions, is expanding its operations in Greenville, South Carolina. The company will be investing $1.75 million to establish an operational headquarters at CU-ICAR, creating 27 new jobs in Greenville County.

Expanding its Greenville County operations, JTEKT decided to locate its North American operational headquarters alongside its Koyo bearing product technical center at CU-ICAR, an advanced-technology research campus for the automotive industry. Occupying facilities at both 1 and 7 Research Drive in Greenville, the expansion is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2016.

The company was established in January 2006 through the merger of Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd., a world-class bearing manufacturer, and Toyoda Machine Works, Ltd., a machine tool manufacturer excelling in world-leading technologies.

“Our operational headquarters in Greenville County and CU-ICAR will provide an efficient base to support our extensive footprint in North America. The availability of professional and technical talent, proximity to the majority of our production facilities, and the quality of life in the Upstate makes this a great move for our organization,” said Mike Davidson, COO, JTEKT North America.

“JTEKT North America has been a fantastic partner to South Carolina, and we’re excited that they have decided to build this operation headquarters at Clemson’s ICAR facility. These 27 new jobs really will make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians, and that’s a real reason to celebrate,” Governor Nikki Haley said. As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.

“Back in 2012, JTEKT announced a $100 million expansion in our state, and Team South Carolina is thrilled to see that they’ve elected to continue growing their footprint here. By establishing company headquarters in Greenville County, the company is demonstrating a tremendous commitment to our state, which serves as yet another indication that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate and strong workforce are second to none,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt noted.